| On a dark night, far from the shores of North | | | | the sights you can expect to enjoy when visiting the |
| Carolina, ships may be guided safely to their | | | | shores: |
| respective ports by the beams of lighthouses and | | | | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - Perhaps the most |
| stations bordering the Outer Banks. Just as the | | | | famous lighthouse in the state, the Cape Hatteras |
| lighthouses represent a means of security for sailors | | | | station is also the tallest and one of the oldest in the |
| finding their way through difficult weather at sea, | | | | nation. An easily recognizable black-striped obelisk, |
| they also symbolize the romanticism of the nautical | | | | over two hundred and fifty stairs takes visitors to |
| life. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the | | | | the top, which is the equivalent of twelve stories. |
| Outer Banks to see these impressive monuments, if | | | | The lighthouse is open to visitors normally from |
| only to briefly live vicariously through the light | | | | March through October, where all can learn the |
| keepers of old and enjoy the stories they have to | | | | colorful history of this national treasure. |
| tell. | | | | Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Standing tall in Corolla, |
| Before modern technologies like radar and other | | | | one of the northernmost points in the Outer Banks, |
| navigational systems allows sailors to negotiate the | | | | Currituck Beach Lighthouse is unique in that it is one |
| waters with ease, lighthouses stood, literally, as the | | | | of the few unpainted beacons in existence. Once |
| one of the main devices to help ocean travel. | | | | illuminated by oil lamps, this light station has since |
| Situated along coastlines around the world, light | | | | been upgraded with the latest technology, and its |
| keepers kept large flames alive to alert passing ships | | | | light can be seen for nearly twenty nautical miles. |
| to dangerous areas like rocky shores, or to guide | | | | Visitors are welcome to explore between Easter and |
| cargo into ports. It is estimated now that only fifteen | | | | Thanksgiving. |
| hundred lighthouses remain, though not all are | | | | Ocracoke Lighthouse - While Hatteras boasts the |
| operational. Many on the east coast of the United | | | | oldest lighthouse on the shore, Ocracoke has the |
| States, including those in the Outer Banks, have been | | | | distinction of being home to the oldest operating |
| preserved as national or state landmarks, and visitors | | | | station. Ocracoke Lighthouse is also the shortest |
| are welcomed to climb their arduous circular stairs for | | | | freestanding one in the Outer Banks, standing at |
| a bird's eye view. | | | | seventy-five feet. As it is still operational, the actual |
| For tourists with an interest in pharology, the study | | | | lighthouse is closed to visitors, though pharology |
| of lighthouses (derived from the island of Pharos in | | | | enthusiasts are welcomed to tour the grounds. |
| Greece, home of the famous Lighthouse of | | | | For a taste of nautical history and breathtaking views |
| Alexandria), the Outer Banks lighthouses will definitely | | | | of the Outer Banks, include a visit to an area |
| keep you busy, and in shape! Here are just a few of | | | | lighthouse. Let the light guide you. |